In Memoriam – Russ Carlson

Retired Covenant pastor Russell “Russ” Carlson died Thursday, April 4, at the age of 63. He was born February 5, 1956, in La Mesa, California. Russ is survived by his wife, Laurie; twin daughters Bethany Swann (Dan) and Emily Nagel (Dave); and a son, Ben (Nicole).

Russ earned a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology from the University of California – San Diego, and an MDiv from North Park Theological Seminary. He spent his entire pastoral career in the GLC. Russ was the solo pastor of North Haven Covenant Church in Cuyahoga Falls, OH (now called Journey Covenant Church) from 1983 to 1993, and he was the senior pastor of Forest Park Covenant Church from 1993 to 2012. Russ served on the Covenant Executive Board and on the Board of the Ordered Ministry. He also coached pastors and helped direct PULSE, part of the denomination’s congregational vitality process. Due to chronic liver disease, Russ received a liver transplant in 1987. His retirement from pastoral ministry was because of his declining health. 

“Russ was a powerful preacher because he let the words of scripture penetrate his own heart before he spoke to others”, shared GLC Superintendent Garth McGrath. “He was a fruitful leader because – with the heart of a servant – he invested heavily in the people God was raising up around him so they could flourish in ministry. And he was a sensitive care-giver because he experienced God’s grace and care in the midst of his own physical suffering through the years. The Great Lakes Conference is blessed to have the two churches Russ served still bearing fruit in ministry today. They are doing so in large measure because Russ worked hard every day to preach, lead, and care well. As a fellow Covenant pastor, I can attest to the fact that Russ was deeply respected and admired by his colleagues. His relationship with Laurie and his devotion to his children were exemplary. His capacity to put the interests of others ahead of his own and to share wisdom with humility was compelling. And his example of facing monumental health challenges with dignity, courage and grace was inspiring. He was a true follower of Jesus in every sense of the word in every dimension of his life, and we will miss him.”

“Russ Carlson was the real deal”, said Wally Coots, senior pastor of Christ Community Church in Allegan, Michigan and 45 year friend and colleague to Russ. “He practiced what he preached. He lived a consistent life of love and faith. In the midst of a frustrating moment, I never heard him yell, never heard him speak badly about someone and never saw him lose his cool. He always did things right. He had a calm, gentle, loving spirit. He was always growing! There was a book in his hands most of the time. His desire was to grow disciples and he poured himself into his members and his mentees. When I accepted a call to Allegan, he was my “go to” guy. I called him regularly for advice and his pearls of wisdom. I loved the man!”

“Russ was great at being both boss and pastor”, shared Shelley Kurth, GLC’s Director of Congregational Vitality and former staff member at Forest Park.  “He did an amazing job at building his pastoral teams and investing the concept of this into each of us, evident by what so many of his staff members are now doing.  As a pastor, Russ’ commitment to living and preaching the Word in a faithful manner encouraged and inspired.  I am thankful for Russ’ role in the faith development of my family.  Each of my children was impacted by his messages, his acceptance of staff kids’ presence in the office (always having stickers for their visits), and his interest in their lives acknowledged by his presence at games, questions about activities, and true care for their hearts. The ministry vision Russ led impacted my leadership, call, and love for the Covenant.  

A service was held Saturday, April 13, at Forest Park Covenant Church in Muskegon, Michigan.